May 03 2008
30 things I learned along the way! MYTIME MAIL!
Happy 30th Birthday to me! (and you, if it is your day too, but if it is I doubt you are reading this! LOL!)
Today I am celebrating with a BIG giveaway! In honor of my 30 years, Im doing THREE random.org winners!!! So THREE people have a chance to win. The winner will be drawn Monday morning, since Im celebrating ALL weekend!
Here are the GOODS!! SORRY for the yucky photos, it was to the point that if you wanted MYTIME MAIL- this was as good as it was getting.
Package 1-3 Lizzie Anne Designs sets-Samantha Alphabet, Dreaming of Dots, and In the Meadow. There are also 2 Paper Bouquet templates. (2) template sizes in each-one is a take-out box, the other a pillow box!
Package 2-Hero Arts Cupcakes (no birthday give-away is complete without them) and Bird-Day Designs
Package 3-Crafty Secrets Kitchen Classics and a Paper Salon mini tin with my favorite flower! A Tulip!
Just reply to this post with any of the following-your very best birthday memory, a gift you would love to receive, one thing you have learned from life, or words you live by!! You pick!
WOW! 30 years flew by fast! After 17, I don’t know what happened.
Thank you for the b-day wishes and those who sent me cards! WOW! So touched by that! Oh and lets not forget the emails! I had over 600 emails! OMG!! That is a gift in itself. I am slowly reading each and every one.
OK TODAY IS STILL SATURDAY SKETCH TIME!!!
So here is the reminder! Remember this will enter you TWICE!! So you should all try it.
I believe it was 2 years ago, I began the tradition of making MYSELF a birthday card! I found it to be so fun. This is the sentiment (from www.impressrubberstamps.com) that will be used on every card, from here on out! It is the first anniversary of my 29th birthday! LOL!
Sine I LOVE purple, Bella’s and bling, this card was super fun for me to put together. I also love vellum, and the tag thingy’s. Lets not forget Copic markers! I am actually sending this to a fellow blogger, who is my “Birthday Twin”. Her name is Becky. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY!!
I’m all emotional and long winded today so get the fresh cup of coffee if you feel like reading! LOL!
This part begins the REFLECTION section.
Oh so 30!
This is Ohsoprettybella. Perfect. I am beginning to start this decade with self acceptance! What better Bella to use than this one? This is me! On the inside! LOL!
Did you notice the reflection in the mirror? Pretty cool huh? I was so happy that the “idea” translated to paper.
OK I am actually excited to be turning 30. My brain has clicked in, that it really isn’t the end of the world, but really a whole new start! I have so many amazing things taking place in this new decade of my life!
My daughter is finishing her Cancer treatment! That is number ONE amazing to me. By far the best thing I could ever ask for. EVER! As mother’s we all just want our children to be HEALTHY & HAPPY. I know that is my number 1. Then it is to know God and have faith. I want them to grow up and find a fulfilling job, that they love, someone to share it with, and become people in the world who are kind, respectful, thoughtful and give a little something back to the world.
I could not ask to be in a better place right now! I have the BEST husband in the world. He is my rock and my very best friend. He has been there for me every second, never, letting me fall. He treats me like we are still dating, and looks at me the same-kids later & all!
I am getting to do something that I LOVE and find fulfilling, and think it’s safe to say I found my niche in life! I cannot tell you what this crazy stamping life brings to mine! Then the ability to reach others doing so. I never would have thought I would be where I am today, and I have enjoyed that journey! I’m so excited to begin teaching these classes in this setting!
When I look back on my 20’s, they were quite full. Some good, some awesome, but also some of the worst things I could have gone through! All amazing in the aspect that it lead me HERE! To a fabulous place, that I wouldn’t change one step for, because I would not be who I am today. I can’t tell you how each step affected me in phenomenal ways. Making me stronger, more independent. Unafraid to go for what I want.
Here is a 20’s recap
-finish college to become a nurse, got married at 20, at 21 had first born child with life long disabilities but an amazing blessing, becoming a single mom by 22 and getting divorced, eventually meeting my husband and moving forward in life, packing up and moving to a place where I know NO ONE, remodeling a home, having 2 more children-both healthy, getting re-married, getting into stamping, finding out someone you love has Cancer (and that its your baby!!), pushing through that, someone I love beating cancer, then somehwere in the midst of all that, finding myself, sharing it all, and working to do what I love. WHEW! What a decade.
I think I may even be glad to say good by to my 20’s! I think that some of what I did takes most a lifetime! LOL! CRAZY!
So this is going to be a Decade of Different! A Decade of Fabulous! A time to enjoy life!
I am happy to say I have absolutely NO REGRETS. Let’s hope I get through my next 30, and can say the same.
30 things I learned along the way-in no particular order.
1) FAITH! The single most important thing I could ever have. Without it I would not have gotten through some of the worst times in my life. Same goes for family & friends.
2) You NEVER want to talk to ANYONE who calls from an (800) number! TRUST ME! LOL!
3) Make time for yourself and the things/people you love. You never hear anyone say “I spent too much time with so and so”. Usually only regrets of not enough time.
4) Try to be positive. It can ALWAYS be worse, and when it is, then know it has to get better-right?
5) You miss 100% of the chances you DONT take.
6) NO! I am learning to say that word to things I dont really want to do, or just don’t have time to do.
7) Shopping really is therapeutic! For me anyway! LOL!
You will never love anything more than your own children! Who else in the world would you GLADLY give your life for?
9) Work to LIVE, not live to work.
10) Money cannot buy you happiness. Memories are something that will long outlast any fortune.
11) If it comes easy, it goes away easy! Things that are earned with hard work, will last much longer, and be more valued and appreciated, than those handed to us.
12) There is a reason that the older I get, the more I become like my mother! The older, the wiser!
13) That brings me to the understanding of “Youth is wasted on the young” While Im not “old” I am older, and I now GET IT!!! I wish at 20, I knew what I know now!
14) It is much CHEAPER to go to the dentist every 6 months, rather than wait a decade! I know what I am talking about.
15) Make sure you Pee before leaving the house too! You never know when you may ge stuck in traffic! LOL!
16) You really can have too much of a good thing.
17) Say what you mean, and mean what you say! Words are never forgotten and can hurt forever.
18) I hate sports! ALL of them, unless my child is involved.
19) Don’t wait till you have over 20 mice, to make your husband buy DECON! If ther is ONE there is a BIG problem-period!
20) If your husband takes you shopping for something (like a dog) he better be ready to buy it-THEN AND THERE!!
21) Everything has a reason and a purpose. You have the ability to make the most of very situation.
22) Take out does taste better! LOL!
23) When a house project gets started, there is a 2 year period from start to finish, anything sooner is a bonus! LOL!
24) If you want something done a certain way, then do it yourself 
25) To Do lists really do work! They are essential to my life. OCD isn’t all bad, it can actually come in handy.
26) In only ONE second you life can change forever. Don’t waste one minute.
27) Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today! No one is guaranteed tomorrow.
28) Live life to the fullest.
29) Twenty Nine-Once you leave it, its not the end of the world!! And speaking of the world, stamping can make a difference in the world! It can relieve stress, make someone’s day, capture a memory in an amazing way, and some of the best people do it!
30)THIRTY Is just the beginning of many great thing for me and my family!
I am SO up for the journey.
If you are still reading WOW! You must really like me! LOL!
I can’t wait to finish reading my emails & your comments here! Best of luck!!! I am off to a fabulous day! Thank you for the support and well wishes!
MWAH!
Lauren,
Happy Birthday! I read your blog every day and am so inspired by you and all you do with your kids, stamping, etc… You are very wise! I think what I have learned from life is that my family and faith are the most important things and that I am truly blessed to have three wonderfully energetic boys to raise up and teach these things to.
Lauren you are at such a *GOOD PLACE* in all aspects of your life and I wish you another 30 years of continued bliss and health :0)
My BEST b’day memory was back when I was about 6 yrs. old and in the mornings before we went to school, my brother and I watched this kid’s program called “Rocket Ship 7″ while we ate our breakfast on TV Trays. Each morning there came a point where they would announce people’s birthdays … I was clueless, had no idea, when suddenly the announcer said,
“I hear Robyn is having a big St. Patrick Day party this weekend with some friends to celebrate her big birthday, but her Mom, Dad and brother Robert wanted you to look behind the front drape to find a special B-Day present Happy Birthday Robyn”
After I scrapped my face off the floor I ran like a wild child searching for my gift … all the time I was replaying the TV announcer’s message in my head …. me, six years old, and already a *STAR* on the morning network kid’s program ! haaaa ! Finally I discovered what my special gift was …. it was a beautiful Barbie, the doll I loved to play with the most, way way until I was in my pre-teens even.
And guess what? I still have that Barbie as it still gives me flutters of butterflies in my tummy when I think of how excited and loved I was, and still am, even in my 44th year of life :))
Words to live by~
Live the life you love
Live each day as if it’s your last.
Don’t sweat the small things.
Tie a knot in the end of your rope and HANG on!
Believe in yourself.
Things can always be worse.
I absolutely love your blog. Read it every day. I should start one of my own but really don’t know much about it, but would love making so many new friends.
Have a wonderful birthday!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I have found your blog very inspiring and check back way too much
Here is a short and sweet phrase to live by that I have stolen from my hubby. Simplicity is good. (I guess that’s another quote too - hehe)
“It is what it is” Short, sweet, and true.
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Happy 30th, Lauren! A special day indeed. Some good words to live by: Live today as if it were your last on earth and make it memorable, as there will never be another one like it.
HAPPY birthday Lauren! Welcome to your 30s! They really will be better than your 20s! We are always trying to find ourselves in our 20s. In our 30s, hopefully we have and we can enjoy who we have become and what we have accomplished!
Your blog is amazing! I love reading it every day because you’re so motivating, honest, and just refreshing! Thanks for sharing all you do!
And to answer your blog candy question.. I just asked my hubby for a photo book from Shutterfly! Even though I scrapbook - I kinda hate doing it.. and would love to just have a book, made by my husband, of my family, that I don’t have to make!! So I am hoping for Mother’s Day that will be my gift!
Again, Happy Birthday! I hope it’s the best one yet!
-Jen Ofiana
Lauren,
You are wise beyond your years and an inspiration to all who know you.
My birthday is May 4th and my 21 year old son just bought me a coach bag with the wallet and all accessories. My favorite present is a poem my husband wrote me when we had very little money. I still have it and will treasure it always. If you knew my 6′5″ tough guy husband you would know that it was so out of character and that is why it is my favorite present ever. Happy Birthday To You! We are blessed to know you through this blog.
Debi
Happy birthday again Lauren! Your cards are always amazing
My best memories about my birthday…the snow! I was born on 7th-December, and here (Italy) it didn’t snow so often, so it was amazing when it did snow and we could play with the snow on my birthday
hugs
You are awesome!!! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Wishes from the land of Mozart! Living so far from my family (born and raised in Ontario Canada and living in Vienna, Austria) a gift I would love to receive is being able to celebrate any day with all my family and friends from Canada.
happy birthday lauren!!! thank you for your post, so open and honest…love that! i am in the home stretch of my 30’s…and can honestly say…you are gonna LOVE them!!!
my best birthday present EVER was the conception of my daughter…born 10 months after i turned 21…the most wonderful blessing…
i hope your day was filled with surprised, love and laughter!
chelle
Happy Birthday Lauren!
One of my favorite birthday memories is from the 4th grade and I turned 10. It was memorable because there was a school-wide party on MY birthday! I pretended it was all in honor of me. It was great.
Happy Birthday! I love your blog! your cards are so creative and inspiring. One of my birthday memories comes from when I was a little girl turning 8 or 9 and my mother made me a Barbie cake, with the cake being the Barbie’s dress, I thought it was so pretty and the doll in the cake was also a present. This memory is more special to me as I get older and reflect on my past. During that time my mom was single and working two jobs struggling to raise her two daughters, I’m amazed at her ability to muster up energy and creativity to give me such special memories as a child.
Happy 30th Birthday !!!
I wish I was turning 30 on my birthday but I will be 40.
What I have learned about life is LIVE each day as if it was going to be your last cause you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Thanks for the oppertunity. You have a GREAT ideas. TFS
ENJOY!! Your Day.
Happy 30th Birthday !!!
I wish I was turning 30 on my birthday but I will be 40.
What I have learned about life is LIFE each day as if it was going to be your last cause you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Thanks for the oppertunity. You have a GREAT ideas. TFS
ENJOY!! Your Day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!! I love those Hero Arts stamps (makes mental note to track them down in the future). Don’t bother entering me in the contest but I had to come on here and wish you the bestest birthday ever since the card will be late (as usual! ;))
*smooches*
Happy Birthday to you! Have a Wonderful 30th Birthday!
My best Birthday was in 1999 when I turned 36. I was in the hospital…I gave birth to my son the day before. I was so happy because it was a hard pregnancy. I had preterm labor, but we went full turn. Plus I gave birth before I turned 36th!!! It was a happy time in the hospital!
Happy 30th!
Thanks so much for sharing your talent, wisdom and yourself with all of us. I am fortunate to have found your blog, it inspires me in stamping and way beyond.
My favorite birthday was when I turned 21 as I had given birth to a daughter the day before - she was the best gift that I ever received - and my sister in laws made a cake and brought it to the hospital which was a big surprise and yummy!
I have learned that life is full of surprises, twists and turns and everything happens for a reason and DOES work out for the best. It may be years before one realizes the whys. Each experience in life we learn something - smile throughout is so important as it helps to keep one’s spirits up and focus on the good (and there is always some good in every experience if one looks for it).
Here’s to the next 30 years - ENJOY!
Ag.
Happy Birthday! One of my favourite birthday memories is getting a giant (or what seemed giant to me at the time) bag of stickers for my birthday present as a kid. Well… that was just the beginning… because now I have a giant box full of stickers. Its an incurable disease… but they make me just as happy now as they did then
Hope you have a great weekend of celebrations!
Happy Birthday!! It is my Birthday today also!! I am 58 - a long way from 30. I read with interest your list of 30. You have learned a lot in 29 short years - it takes most people a life time to know what you know already. I agree with your points. The point I know from expierience is:
There is nothing in life that is worth more than your family and friends. Without them you have nothing! All of your ‘things’ are worthless without your loved ones to share them with, and mean absolutely nothing.
I am sorry for all you have been through in such a short span of life - but it puts you way ahead of most of us in the learning curve. I know that you will have the expiereince to get through any thing that could possibly happen to you now - and in the mean time you are going to enjoy each day that you wake up to in the fullest way possible.
May you enjoy many long and happy years ahead.
My favourite Birthday was my 50th when my usually uninterested Husband held a surprise party for me at a restaurant and invited everyone we knew. What a great evening that was!
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!”
I visit your blog every time my computer is on, you are a gift to us! Congratulations on your special year. I celebrated mine on the 29th April although 33 years now and my gift was my second child daughter born the 2nd. A true blessing like in your great decade of lessons. God bless and congrats on the treatment ending for your daughter I hope all goes really well!
Have great birthday celebrations and I would love to send you a card!
Enjoy your Day! Kim x
hallo Lauren . Hartelijk Gefeliciteerd!! Happy birthday !! ( in dutch)
have a nice day ..your stuff is lovely
bye bye
goedendag
Kitty Franken holland
I am not sure that I can say that I have had one single fantastic birthday memory, but every birthday I do have is more special than I could imagine…I share the same birthday with my Grandma. We always do something together and spend as much time as possible together. She says I was the best birthday gift she could have ever gotten- I like to think that she is the best gift I have gotten too…
Wow 600+ emails…that is great. Happy birthday to you. You will love your 30’s…well speaking from experience that is….you know more who you are and are more comfortable in your own skin. I hope it’s the same for you. My motto to live life by….do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Great blog candy…thanks for the op:0))
HAPPY Bday darling!!! I wanted to come and wish you a happy and wonderful Bday before I left out the door this AM.. As far as what the one thing I’ve learned really is don’t sweat the small stuff and that each day is a blessing and its up to you what you do with it… Not to long ago.. (hmm come to think of it when I turned 30 2 1/2 years ago) It was a yr. I will never forget because that was the year my eyes were really opened as we lost my oldest baby girl to SIDS but with God’s love we have been able to keep going I was blessed with another little girl and each day I have with her and my boys that is the biggest gift ever for me … So as you do already enjoy your babies and enjoy life.. I love coming to your blog because you push foward and share with us your ups and downs and trust me we are right there with you!! SO Happy 30th to you my darling!!!
happy birthday, lauren
my best birthdays (since the when i got my first barbie doll!) have been since my kids were born (4 and 2 years) nothing better than a scribbled on birthday card, it makes me so happy
Happy Birthday Lauren! Just want to thank you for your fantastic blog. I find it so refreshing and full of wisdom - and that doesn’t even touch on the cards!!!! I have to say that I find stamping the most theraputic activity in the whole world. After a really tough day at work and with the children my husband will often say - ‘Go and do some stamping’ and do you know it works - every single time!!!
Have a lovely day!
I first want to wish you a very happy b’day! When I turned 30, it was a sort of traumatizing and depressing time for me. I am so glad that you are looking forward to it with so much excitment! God bless you on your new journey. You seem to have accomplished so much through many obstacles and I trust that you will continue to do that.
I suppose the gift I most wish for is the ablility to find out who I am and where I’m going in life. I had a tough childhood and married at age 16. I am still married to the same man and he is a great guy. I have been suffering from empty nest syndrome and since it’s basically just my husband and myself, I feel that I am done with my life. I have been a wife and mother and although I have had a few outside jobs, it’s not been what I have wanted. I would love to do something with my life that would use the “creative” side of me. I wish to find a sense of purpose to my life that would include the gift that I believe that God has given me. I don’t know exactly how to find that other than prayer and trusting that He will show me the way. This would be the gift that I would wish for. Again, I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays and may God bless you in all you do!
Happy Birthday Lauren. I’m so happy that you have takent the time to reflect on your life so thoroughly…decade birthdays tend to do that to us. It’s true when they say that Life Begins at 30…it’s a time when we become more comfortable with ourselves, and believe me when I say that life really does get better with time. Thanks for sharing your reflections with us!
Happy Birthday! Mine is coming up soon. The perfect gift someone could give me would be paying off my credit card bills.
Happy birthday! 30 isn’t so bad! My bithday is new year’s eve, so it is always a big party. i remember as a child, my parents would always go out, and leave us with a baby sitter. they’d throw parties, and then the party goers would give my twin brother and I “hush” money!! They’d tell us it is a bday present!! LOL!! Have a great day!
Hi,
I always enjoy your blog and shortly will turn twice your age! Certainly don’t feel it and love my life. My motto: Never give up. I’ve had some challenges, too, but looking back they got us where we are today which is a very fine place to be. Enjoy your day. Take lots of pictures, get in close! (That’s my major regret about the photos I didn’t take of my kids.) Recently I read on a blog about a lecture given by Anne Lamott and Elizabeth Gilbert. I think it was Gilbert who said, “Take pictures and make plans.” Today is worth living, and make sure you have something to look forward to.” Have a great birthday.
Happy Birthday Lauren!!!!
My favorite birthday memory happens to involve my own “Lauren”. In 1982, I was 6 weeks from delivery and lived in Chicago. It was an exciting and nervous time because we had no family close to us. My friends had a surprise shower for me and my mom and grandmother drove up from Kentucky to attend the shower. My birthday and the shower were within days of each other and SURPRISE, my daughter arrived 7 days later. She was a premie and after the first couple of hours, she did very well. She is now living in TN and will be getting her Master’s Degree in July.
Hi Lauren and Happy Birthday!
I read your post everyday and love the beautiful things that you make. The best gift I have ever received was from my husband before we were married. He knew that I loved dogs, German Shepherds in particular, and had always wanted to have one. I came home from work one day and he had a surprise for me in his car. A German Shepherd named Sheeba whom he had rescued from the local pound. She had been with us until this past December when she became sick and we think and speak of her everyday. She was the best gift I have ever received and someday when we are ready we hope to rescue another dog again. This to me is the best gift I could ever receive.
Happy 30th Birthday! I hope it’s fabulous!!! Your blog is so inspirational to read everyday!!! Hum…best birthday memory…I guess my 18th. My mother’s birthday is only 3 days after mine and I grew up in Louisiana so we spent the weekend together in New Orleans eating, shopping, eating, shopping, etc…I was finally legal so I had my first visit to Pat O’Brien’s for a Hurricane out on the patio, we ate at Commander’s Palace (Emeril was chef there back then but who knew Emeril way back when?!?!?!) and I got to tour the wine cellar and kitchen after the kept bringing us samples from the cellar!
Happy Birthday Lauren! Maybe I technically got my birthday gift for your birthday!! My birthday isn’t til September, but my husband told me last night he was going to give me tickets to the Dover Nascar race in September (they have to be bought early) so I was SOOOOOOOOO excited last night I thought it was MY birthday!!! Best wishes to you!! Vicki
Happy Birthday Lauren. Hope your 30’s are even better than your 20’s were. I guess my words to live by are to live every day to the fullest. We never know what will come the next. That and to trust in God. He will not give you more than you can handle.
Happy birthday, Lauren!
I have a couple quick sayings I use pretty often … “Remember, the last perfect person was crucified” and “Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff” …
Thanx for being a constant source of inspiration - that, and the chance at some t’riffic blog candy!
later, alligator!
- SueB
Words to live by from Gilda Radner:
I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.
Happy Birthday! If my birthday was right now, I would love to receive a gift certificate for hundreds of dollars to a greenhouse as I would love to improve my perennial garden!
-Nancy Ann
Happy Birthday Lauren,
Thirty was tough for me. Forty is much better. My mom just turned 70 and she says it just keeps on getting better. I think God has it all worked out for us. Peace Cynthia
Happy Birthday Lauren. I can barely remember my 30th………it wasn’t 30 years ago but close. LOL
All I wish for at this stage in life is good friends and good health!
Happy Birthday! I think that it is such a fantastic idea to make a card for yourself…..
Words to live by - “Never let them see you sweat.” My mentor at work said that to me one day in passing and I will never ever forget it.
Happy Birthday to you. Hope it is the greatest day ever for you. I try to live by these words (it is very hard, but I do try)–”Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” It seems that I am always worrying and I try so hard to focus on “right now’ but it is very difficult. Anyhow, it is what I try to do. Can’t wait to hear all about your day!!! Thanks for the candy.
Cheryl Sims
Have a great birthday, Lauren. I try to live by the words- treat others as you would like to be treated. Joan
Have a happy, happy day, Lauren! I can’t believe you’re “here” today! I’m glad you are, because you are so inspiring to me and I think of you as if I know you! I vaguely remember hitting the “30″ milestone…how quickly that decade went! Working on a house, getting married, having two of my three children…and 7 months ago I hit another milestone - I turned 50! I guess one very important thing I have learned is that life is short - take chances! Live every day as if it’s your last! I feel like you are doing that, Lauren. Have a wonderful birthday and thank you for sharing yourself!
Happy 30th Birthday, Lauren! You are such an inspiration to so many people! Thank you for sharing YOU with us! ((HUGS))
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I’m looking closer to 40 now than 30 but I LOVED turning 30! It was right before I married my dh! That one was such a blur because I was in love la-la land! (I still am!)
One of my favorite b-d memories was when I was in college and thought my roommates had blown off my birthday and at the last minute invited me out to Cafe Latte in St. Paul, MN. When I walked in, there were about 20-30 of my college friends there! It was such a neat surprise. They had planned it for days. And…I got to have the BEST cheesecake!!!
Happy 30th Birthday Lauren! Hope you enjoy your Birthday Weekend!
Love your Bella card - so pretty! Lets see, words to live by - Chocolate makes most problems/issues a little easier to deal with.
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I hope you have a fantastic day full of family and things you love! My best birthday memory was last year when my teenage daughter made me a cd with MY favorite songs - she looked them up online, downloaded them and burned them onto a cd for me. I was so touched! Hugs, Jackie
Happy Birthday! I can remember my 30th b’day like it was yesterday. I too had a rough 20’s decade. First child by 21 second by 23 and divorced by 29. Now I have been married for 16 years to the best man ever! We have a 13 year old daughter who keeps us very busy with sports. I like you was never into sports, now I actually know what is happening in basketball and soccer and even some sport terms!!
Have fun and your paper crafting is fantabulous!
Ellen
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I hope you have a fantastic birthday weekend.
I have learned in my 35 years on this planet to just let the little things go & enjoy life & all the precious moments we have with our children, the little things can wait.
Happy 30th Lauren! You will love being 30 and beyond. It’s not the number that matters, it’s your attitude about it. You’ve got the right outlook. Remember that all of our gifts come from God! He has blessed you with many.
Happy Birthday !!! I am celebrating my 30th in July - I love your reflections! I am at peace with turning 30 - I am thankful for the life and family I have. I couldn’t ask for anything better!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope you have a fantastic year…it’s your’s to live!
Words to live by…Be Happy…Be true to yourself!
I enjoy visiting your blog. You are so creative and seem to take life as it comes, which is important. So, Be Happy…Be true to yourself!!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I love reading your blog, seeing all your wonderful creations, and seeing your love for your family. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that the next year is filled with blessings.
My birthday was just a few days ago and I almost forgot about it until one of my friends sent me a wonderful package filled with homemade goodies.
I love simple gifts and gifts from the heart so that was super special. I love having such great friends!
It’s awesome just to know that it’s all the little things that people do for us that count.
Hope you have a wonderful year!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I read your blog everyday and am always so inspired by you. I hope you have a wonderful day. My best birthday memory was finding out that I was pregnant with my first daughter- best gift of all.
Happy birthday Lauren! I’m turning 30 this year too and it’s good to see someone who is happy about it! I think my 30s are going to be the best decade yet — watching my little boy grow up.
My best birthday memory was in the fourth grade. My birthday was very close to one of my friend’s birthdays and our moms threw us a joint party. My mom made the cake and I remember thinking it was the prettiest cake ever! Really, it was just three round cakes frosted in different colors and set up to look like a balloon bouquet. But to a 9 year old it was perfect!
Happy birthday, girl! I was pregnant with my first child at 30 and basically bedridden! You will find that being 30 only means your better than you were at 29! Kidding! Enjoy your day, love all your creations and appreciate all your hard work!
Happy Birthday fellow May baby
When I was small, 6, 7, 8, my mom used to invite the neighbourhood kids to celebrate my birthday in the backyard. I’m sure this sounds silly, but one year she hung those round cookies with a hole in the centre from strings on our clothesline and we ‘bobbed for cookies’ with our hands tied behind our backs. 25+ years ago and it still makes me smile!
Enjoy your day
Happy Birthday Lauren!! I am a decade ahead of you, the 30’s were wonderful, you have most of the squirreliness behind you ;). (is that even a word, lol??)
My husband often reminds me, “don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff”. SO true hahahaha
Happy Birthday! I will turn 40 in October and my favorite birthday was actually turning 30. We went to Las Vegas with a large group of friends and had so much fun. The 30’s are a ball - you stop being caught up in the opinions of others and start really enjoying being in your own skin.
Favorite quote: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~Attributed to Mark Twain, unconfirmed
First of all let me say “Happy Birthday” and tell you that your blog is one of my favorites that I frequent and your talent is a blessing that I am glad you share with the world…My favorite memory is when I turned 40…My husband planned a surprise meet up at the restaurant with my Nephew (who I had not seen in a long time….his Dad my brother had got killed when he was 12 and we never saw him much his Mom married and my Nephew was then adopted by her hubby) I never could seem to find him and was always searching the internet under people searches with no luck…then a God thing happened (thats what I call it) and I came across a number that got me in touch with my nephew….My hubby then went behind my back and set up the meeting….When we arrived at the restaurant my Nephew and his girlfriend were sitting at the upper level…the reason I knew it was him was because he looked just like my brother…I told my husband “Theres a guy up there who looks just like Michael (my bro) I was freaked out…when we got to our table they walked up and I knew it was him…I started to cry….but it was tears of happiness…all these years went by and I thought I would never find him…it was a happy sad moment cause he looks so much like his Dad and I miss him…but I was so Happy! We have been in touch ever since…
Thank you for sharing your life lessons with us! Wishing you many more wonderful memories and laughs along the way! My favorite birthday memory was a surprise birthday party my husband put together for my 30th birthday. He and all our friends kept the secret so well that I was truly surprsed! What a great time that was!
Hi Lauren
Happy Birthday! Have a fun day shopping to your heart’s delight. It’s so lovely to just be on the beginning of your journey. I am 62, have a daughter that is 37 and a son 19. So I have lived and loved my life. One of my most memorable birthdays was when I turned 30. We had a great circle of friends; always together doing fun things.
My ex-husband made me a surprise 30th birthday party and I was clueless. I went about my day, shopping, doing things with my little girl (she was 6 then) and just having a great day. Well I was out all day and thought we were just going to hang out at home. Some of our friends lived right across the street and my ex said that our friend wanted us to stop by and hang out there. When I got there, there were all of our friends and they were dressed up and here I was in everyday raggy clothes. I was happy and surprised but being young, all I could think of was that I had no makeup and my hair was not good and I didn’t look pretty. All that doesn’t matter anymore. It was the thought that everyone cared about me and did this for me. That was one of my most memorable birthdays. You will find this to be the best decade of your life. You will be more confident with yourself and find that your life is only just beginning with many more wonderful times ahead. So Lauren, love your day and be the happiest you can be (which is not too hard for you!). Love, Genie
Happy Birthday Lauren. I hope you have a wonderful day. I guess I would have to say my most memorable birthday was last year. My family and I live 45 southwest of Philadelphia. To avoid the traffic my mom and I took the train into the city for a day of shopping. My bday is 12/7 so just in time to see all the Christmas decorations. Every year Macy’s has a light show and a Dickens village, all in the store, so we had to go check that out, and it was awesome. Then we finished shopping, had a late lunch and took the train home. It was great. I’m a few years older than you 32. When I turned 30 I was bummed out, my boyfriend of 2 years still wasn’t ready to settle down (even though he bought a house and I helped him remodel) we lasted one more year. At 30 I was totally ready for a family, and freaking out that I might miss out (my mom started menopause at 40 along with her mom. I’ve come to realize that what comes will come, and I’m happy with the way my life is right now. We all make choices, some good some bad, it’s in us all to get over the bad and forge forward. Have a wonderful day of shopping, there really is no better way to spend a birthday. Hugs ~Julie
You took my words to live by: Work to LIVE, not live to work.
I only have one daughter and couldn’t have anymore. I learned when she was very young that I needed to center my life around her. I had to work somewhere, but I refused to work somewhere if I couldn’t attend to the little things she needed. She is almost 14 now and I wouldn’t change a thing! I still work to live, not live to work!
Happy 30th Lauren! I have loved my 30’s which will be over in a year! Hard to believe! Loved your life lessons! It is amazing how we change and yet don’t at the same time! I have had many wonderful Birthday memories over the years! I have a summer Birthday and have spent many on vacation with family and friends! One of my favs was spend my 30th Birthday in Germany with my best friend and her family! We had a wonderful time seeing the area and eating wonderful foods and greating great wine and beer! Have a wonderful day and I wish you many many more! Love reading your blog! And seeing your wonderful cards! Thank you so much for sharing!
Hugs! Jessie
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! Thank you so much for sharing your life lessons, they are so true!!! My favorite birthday memory is from last year when my 4 year old daughter sang happy birthday to me all by herself (she did it about 20 times on my birthday plus the next 3 days). It was so sweet and true. Still brings tears to my eyes! I hope you have a terrific day!!!
Lauren,
My best birthday present was actually a dinner. I was 38, going thru a divorce, my son decided to live with my husband, soooo it was just my daughter (9 years old) and myself. She made me a dinner of homemade mozzarella sticks, which were very good I might add. Kraft macaroni and cheese and I thought it was punch for a beverage. I said ” Jillie you even made punch?” She said “No mommy, it’s jello for dessert, It just didn’t get hard yet” THAT was my best ever!! We still laugh at that and now she is married and will be 30 in August.
Happy 30th Lauren
May all your wishes come true.
Linda Darling
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I know now that nobody trumps being with family. My best birthday memory is when I was a little girl, my aunt made for me a Princess cake. The icing was beautiful, and there was a girl-figurine on top, dressed in icing. I thought I was on top of the world! I can’t imagine, now, how much time it must have taken her to make it, but I recall thinking how beautiful she was, and how I would look like that, one day! Have a wonderful 30th birthday, Lauren! We love you!
Lauren I love reading your blog everyday! I wish you the happiest of birthdays today!! Thirty was a good birthday for me, night out in the city to see a show and dinner then the next day a surprise brunch with my family.
Words I live by: there are three sides to every story, yours, theirs and the truth and it can always be worse.
Enjoy your special day!! And thank you for the chance to win presents on your day!!
Melissa
Congrats justtttt love all the things you said on your blog and those are things i will be thinking about when i turn 30 i just wish it didn’t have to happend sooner anyways loveeeee the bella card how did you make the image on the mirror do tell???
Lauren,
Happy Birthday!! I love reading your blog-added it to my favorites months ago! I lost one of my brothers’ two years ago in a car accident-he was only 35. The thing I have learned about life IS TO LIFE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST because we never know when it will be our last! Your blog has inspired me not just from a place to get ideas for my cards but also in life! You are truly in inspiration!
I’m pretty new to the blogging world, but certainly LOVE your space here, so thank you!
I would have to say my words to live by are “It’s just sand in the glass”. Do you know this analogy? I’ll summarize it here. The prof fills a jar with large rocks and asks the class if it’s really full. They say yes; then he proceeds to fill in the spaces with small pebbles, asks the class if it’s full now and they say yes. But no, he fills the rest of the spaces with sand; now it’s full. He tells them the rocks represent all of the really important things in their daily lives (friends, family, health, food, shelter); the pebbles represent the less important things and the sand is all the stuff that can just wait (the cleaning, the dishes, the laundry). The moral, don’t fill your jar with just sand; make the rocks your focus.
Happy, happy birthday!
Have a great weekend!
BA
Happy Birthday Lauren! 30 is a good year - trust me!! My best birthday present was last year when my family blew me away with a stand mixer. I love that my kids get excited about others birthdays now - it’s so fun to see! Love your blog and love that you share yourself with us! Blessings and thanks for the chance to win!
Hi Lauren,
Happy 30th. You are so awesome, I view your blog daily. You are extremely talented. One of the best in this industry.
Here are some words to live by that I love
RELAX,RELATE AND RISE ABOVE IT.
Have a great Birthday weekend.
Happy Birthday Lauren. Beautiful card, as always. Love your blog and admire your creativity. Thanks for sharing with us.
Keep smiling…that’s my motto.
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I can only tell you that life is what you make it. Priorities: Faith - Family - Friends (and in our house Football!) Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday to you. You have achieved a ton by this milestone in your life, and now you get to sit back a bit and enjoy the 30s. The 20s are all about discovering yourself, setting up your life the way that makes you happy. The 30s are about appreciating what you have and enjoying all you have worked for.
I hope you have a wonderful day! And congrats on the new gig teaching at Paper Tree. I visit family in NH often, and would love to attend a class when I’m there next! Thanks for sharing with us
sing with me…. “Happy Birth-day to You! Happy Birth-day to You! Happy Birth-day dear Lau-ren! Happy Birth-day to You!!!! ((and many more) ”
Hope that your day is as special as you are.
The card is really neat. I love the little flowers. Uber-cool!!!!!
love ya!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I agree w/SO many of the things on your list! I’ve learned to live by this “We are only responsible for our actions.” Think about it - it keeps you sane to realize that we are not in control, or responsible for what anyone else does. That said, if we can close our eyes each night and know that we didn’t do anything to hurt anyone else in any way, it’s all okay. May this be the BEST birthday you’ve had yet, but pale in comparison to what is to come!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I get so inspired by your blog! I love your style … and you got some style!
Favorite birthday memory was just last year … my sweet, sweet sister threw me a suprise birthday part at a local luncheon place with all of my crafting buddies. We dressed up in hats, boas and 50’s jewelry! It was so much fun. It was like a little girl’s tea party… we did a craft project that day as well! It was a perfect day.
Hugs to you,
Kimberly
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN!!! You are such a great inspiration. You have gone through quite a lot and have great determination and outlook. I enjoy reading your blog, seeing your craft inspirations and reading about your family. Keep up the good work. My birthdays have all been good, one of my daughters actually turned 30 on April 15th and she was kind of freaking out about it also, but all in all it is just another day. Enjoy your day and many years to come!!
Oooppps I was too busy singing happy birthday to you.
My favorite birthday memory.. 15 turning 16! AND I was getting off my crutches (from my cancer surgeries to get into my 1965 candy apple red convertable mustang. My dad (now past away) is in the picture with me, holding onto me and the crutches in the other hand. (tear) Good memories!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I enjoy reading your blog & seeing your creativity flourish. The gift I would love to receive is a massage. My words to live by are: “a day without laughter is a day wasted.”
Happy happy happy happy birthday to you Lauren! Hope you have a GREAT one! I’ll definitely give this awesome sketch a try!!!!!! {SMILES}
happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Lauren, happy birthday to you! And many moooooooooorrre………….. Hope you have a fantastic weekend! You truly are an amazing woman and have been through more than most in your 29 (second time around *wink*) years! I have two quotes that I love:
‘The aim of life is to live and to live is to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.’ ~Henry Miller
‘Life is not measured by the numbers of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.’
hugs - Alyssa
I have heard that 40 is the new 20! You are just a teen (with all that great wisdom!)
Have a super 30th birthday! My 30th my hubby set up a surprise party for me! It was AWESOME! Now, I try to do AWESOME parties for my kiddos! In fact, this morning marks the final few hours of a sleepover for my daughter ( 8 girls)! Last night I seriously rethinking my sanity! Ha Ha! Have a great weekend!
Happy Birthday! The best is yet to come!!!
One of my best birthdays was my 50th - I was not sure of how I was going to feel about being 50, but when it came, I found it actually felt good saying “I am 50!” For my 50th, my mother gave me her grandmother’s ring - her only 3 grandchildren are my 3 children, so it is now my mother’s ring, which I am so pleased to have and wear.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!
Thirties were my best time! I’ll be turning 40 in a few weeks. Now that is starting to strike me hard. This ol’ bod is starting to feel it too.
My best bday will be this one as we’re going to Portugal with the kids and have rented a house close to the beach for 2 weeks. Very exciting. I want to see the olive trees and the wine regions and hopefully buy a nice pair of shoes.
Anyone know of any stamping stores in Portugal? lol
Have a great weekend!! Thanks for sharing.
HAPPY B DAY!!!Best b-day was when I turned 21 and I spent it with my later to be husband…Love, laugh, and live!!! fav present a book my grandma wrote to me
Lauren,
I was thrilled when I stumbled upon your blog yesterday…it must have been an early birthday present - mine is today, too!! You give this now 29-year-old (argghh!!!) inspiration just through the little that I have read and I thank God that you put your heart out there for all of us to read. Keep up the beautiful cards and beautiful attitude. Wishing you all the happiness in the world on the 2nd 29th birthday!
Happy B-Day to you! My best birthday memory - April 14, 1983, my 14th birthday, and 14 inches of snow. The best part? School was cancelled!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! You will love you thirties - mine have been wonderful and far better than my 20’s. I’m also hovering close to 40 and can’t wait to see what those years have in store.
I read on your blog a long time ago when you were talking about “doing” things to make life happen. You asked the question (not verbatim), “What are YOU doing to make your dreams come true?” And I’ve been thinking about that ever since. It really struck me. I also like your saying that you miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. So - I’m doing things I never would have done before and giving things a try. I’m not nearly as talented as you - but I’m trying to get better!
Thanks for inspiring me each and every day. Enjoy your day with your hubby and kids and I hope you have a wonderful time.
Heather
Happy 29th with one years practice! You know as we get older I think the birthday celebrations become ‘great’ for different reasons. It used to be the most exciting gifts or dinners or trips, but once you start adding family members like in-laws and grandchildren, it becomes more special with just the gathering. So each new birthday becomes better than the last for me just because my children keep adding grandchildren to the party! I have 2 now and 2 on the way! I’m only 49 (really… not 49 and holding, trying to avoid 50) so I still have a lot of special birthdays to go.
Happy Birthday Lauren! I wish you the very best….
It’s weird, it’s like the older I get, the less I want..
I think the most memorable was my 21st birthday..I had an overall good day and had my first, and only, tattoo done.
Lauren, first off HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Second, Congratulations on Alexa only having one more treatment to go! YAY!!! This is so huge for you guys and must be so thrilled!!! Well I will say my favorite birthday gift I ever received because I would love to win some of those stamps. They are all so awesome. They best birthday gift I ever received was my daughter. I was only 17 when I had her and she was born 11 days after my birthday. I was so scared to be having a child so young, but I knew that no matter what her father and I would always love her. She is almost 3 now, and I am so blessed to have her. She changed my life like I never would have imagined something so tiny to do. She has made such an impact in my life, and I thank God everyday for her.
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I don’t have a best birthday memory–they are all un-memorable. I can’t even remember what I did when I turned 30! Wait, my first born was about to turn 1 and I worked full time, so that may explain why I don’t remember my 30th birthday.
I’ve learned many life lessons and most of those were learned the hard way. I am happy for you and all the blessings in your life and hope the rest of your weekend is fabulous!
Happy Birthday! I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your fabulous ideas. I think that I have learned that laughter is the best medicine. I hope that you have a wonderful year. Thanks for sharing.
why, yes — I really do like you (I read until the end) you had so many NUGGETS in there; you are such a mature 30 (and I’m sure what you have gone through the past 10 years has a LOT to do with it) You are right on! You are an inspiration to so many people and your DH & children (and I’m sure everyone else who is fortunate to know you IRL) are blessed! I know us PSF’s are I can only imagine how the Real Friends are!! Happy Birthday, Lauren! You deserve the BEST because you give your BEST!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend surrounded by your family and friends! Enjoy the moment!
You don’t need to enter me in the blog candy. I KNOW it costs a small fortune to mail things…lol! Especially to me and those packages look HUGE!
I’ll be back later with a card for the sketch though! LOVE it! Big hugs to you!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY from S.C.!!! My most memorable b-day is my 30th, which was on a Saturday. My husband kept acting like it was no big deal, 30 is just a number, we’ll probably just have cake, yada yada yada… I was so bummed because he did not make it seem like we were doing anything super special..YOU only turn 30 once, right? We usually go to friend’s house on Sat. nights. That Sat. night we went to our friends and there was a surprise party!! I had no make up on and was wearing a thermal t-shirt and jeans. I was so embarrassed!
I hope it’s a great one for ya! You are super talented and your creativity is very inspiring!
Joey T.
Happy Birthday Lauren! My best memory was my 30th birthday celebration. I was in a great spot in my life - I just had my 3rd baby, all 3 of my kids were healthy, and my husband surprised me by showing up at birthday dinner with my family when he was supposed to be working. Enjoy - 30 is not as bad as you may think!
happy birthday to you!
happy birthday to you!
happy birthday dear lauren….
happy birthday to you!
many good wishes for your 30th birthday - turning 30 isn’t bad…..now turning 35 - not so good! lol!!! at least for me!! hehehehe!!!!!
you have such a wonderful outlook on life! i’m sure you can attribute that to what all you have been through in the last decade. i am so glad to hear about alexis! that little girl is a trooper, but i’m sure i don’t have to tell you that!
anyway…i would love to be the proud owner of any of your blog candies…especially that cupcake set…i have been eyeing that set for quite some time now!
happy birthday, lauren!
regina
Yes I read to the bitter end! I’ve never met you, but I really do like you! Happy Birthday! And I would say my favourite thing to get on my birthday is flowers, just a nice bunch of fresh flowers can make me just about the happiest person on earth! hope you get flowers on your birthday too!
Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy Happy happy happy birthday Lauren!
What a wonderful card to make for yourself! Let’s see, my happiest birthday memory. Very sad, but I can’t think of one. I do have a sad memory though. My 16th birthday was on Mother’s Day and I had to mow the lawn. This year it’s Mother’s Day too.
Have a great day and a fun dinner with Paulette and Matt. Love ya!
Lauren, Happy Birthday!! Your card is simply amazing. Hope day is wonderful and the next year is full of blessings. I love your blog and I read it everyday.
Happy Birthday Lauren! Your card is absolutely fabulous!! My favourite birthday memory is the year my husband bought us VIP tickets for a concert with my favourite band- the Tragically Hip. We laughed, sang and danced all night together…it was awesome!
Happy Birthday, Lauren. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I just love that card and the sketch. I’m currently trying to decide on paper to try it out. My favorite birthday memory was my 16th. My mom and best friend threw me a surprise party. It was great!! I hope this year supplies great memories too.
Love reading your blog, Lauren! My favorite birthday was when I was pregnant for my 1st son, very close to my due date. We went out to dinner at a fab Italian restaurant & I was so paranoid I would go into labor & miss eating the great food that I was so looking forward to! Little did I know, I would go 2 weeks over my due date!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I love checking out your blog everyday. I hope you have a lovely birthday weekend. Me winning the lottery would be a great birthday present
… so I can buy all the stamping/scrapping stuff I NEED ! (JK)
Happy B-Day to you!
I love reading your blog and you always have something to write about every day! Love it! You have a wonderful week-end, enjoy every minute. I guess my favorite saying how I try to live life is “don’t sweat the small stuff”. I know how hard that can be at times and I try to not worry about things but sometimes it is just so darn hard. Anyway, don’t sweat the small stuff and have a great day!
Wow, Lauren, that is SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME that Alexa is almost done w/ Chemo!!! Conor is still doing very well and we’re just over a year away from him being “officially cured”!! The best words a mom can hear, huh? I would have to say one life lesson I’ve learned is to tell ALL of the people in your life that you love them, even if you’re not getting along, and to never let anything little issue come between you and your family. After losing my younger brother so unexpectedly in Jan, I now have so many regrets and I think it’s making it that much harder to deal with his passing. I can only hope and pray that now he knows how much I always loved him and was proud of him. Ok, you didn’t ask for my life story, did you? (yes, I can ramble, too!) I hope you have a WONDERFULLY MAGNIFICENT birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hugs ~ angel
Happy Birthday, Lauren!!!
For my birthday- I would love Copics and Nestabilities! I’m dreaming!!!
Enjoy your family!
Jamie
My best birthday memory is was just last year when my husband surprised me with a trip back “home” to see my family. I hadn’t seen them in 4 years. So anyway just 2 days before my vacation he says “Pack up, we’re driving back to Neb.” Now mind you I need a week to pack for any thing! Anyway we had a great time, surprised everyone and even did some sight seeing on the way home. Just to let you know the 30’s were great but my 40’s are even better. Have a great birthday weekend. And thanks for the great give a way.
Jannette D.
Happy Birthday, hope it is a wonderful day.
One birthday memory for me was my sister and I were visiting our brother who lived in Colorado at the time. We were there for the weekend and on Sept 29th, I awoke to 13 inches of snow. I had never seen snow on my birthday. They had put a large candle on top of a snow laden drum table on the patio and wrote Happy Birthday Jean with Dawn dishwashing detergent.
Enjoy each and every minute of your life because you never know what lies ahead.
Happy, Happy Birthday Lauren! I am sitting here (with my cup of coffee!)–throughly enjoying your blog which I check every day but weekends are my favorite as I have time to take more time and relax! Loved your list–both the inspirational thoughts and those that made me smile! You can really be proud that you have been able let the difficult times, as well as the good times, be enriching rather than destructive! You are very wise for your age! And you are so inspirational to those of us with whom you are willing to share your thoughts.
As I am twice your age, I know it is important to experience each day to its fullest. Take advantage of all those precious moments and don’t fret over the small stuff! I so enjoy being a grandparent as I have been able to do this so much more!
Have a fantastic day! Enjoy all the special moments yet to come!!
♪ ♫ ♪ ♪ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR LAUREN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU. ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♪
Wishing you all the very best today and always!
My best birthday? Hmmm… You know, they’ve all been great! I’ve learned along the way, that age, really is “just a number”. Live, laugh, love! ♥
Enjoy your day. Love ya!
Hugs,
Renee
Happy Birthday Lauren!!! I let this be the shortest one you read today. Have fun.
-*Linda*-
I love all the giveaway sets! They’re great! Thank you so much and have a very happy birthday! I enjoy your blog and love your cards. Hope your birthday is great!
Happy Birthday!!! I too turn 30 next month, pretty crazy! My birthday wish is to have a healthy baby–when I decide to get pregnant, having a child with special needs really puts the scare into you
Happy, Happy Birthday and I hope you have many more!!! I love reading your blog everyday…..so inspiring! My husband was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer last year and has gone thru two stem cell transplants……..we found out that he is in total remission and we pray that it stays that way………what more could I ask for!! Thanks for the chance!
Cindy C.
cac1957@hotmail.com
Happy Birthday Lauren! You seem like an awesome person and I’m so happy for you and your family! IF ONLY, we knew then what we know now! We can only move on from here and learn from the past. It’s hard being a mother and trying to help your child go in the right direction and do the right things. My child is now 33 (older than you, kiddo!) and he is now being to see the light! Unfortunately things are like that in life but at least he’s a good person and married to a sweet gal. I will never have grandchildren but have the sweetest furry grandanimals! Have a great weekend!!!!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I remember turning thirty and not doing it as gracefully as you! But, here I am six years later, and my thirties have been some of the best years of my life. My best birthday memory was when I was 10, and I begged my parents for a unicycle. My father was completely against the idea (I was pretty accident prone back then), but finally caved. For my birthday I received a beautiful silver unicycle with two poles (which I later learned were great for chasing my little brother with!). My birthday was in March, and I can still remember being all bundled up in my winter coat and mittens, so determined to learn to ride that thing. I never did learn…and that is one thing I wish I would have done. Anyway, Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday! Thanks for sharing all that you do. . .even all of your thoughts. I LOVED the recap of your 20s and the 30 things you learned along the way. You are such an inspiration in life as well as papercrafting! Big HUGS to you!
My birthday wish is is to be as creative as you are!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! The next one for me is #29 and I am not sad about getting closer to (or turning 30) either! Life has taught me that not everyone gets to see 29, so for me each year is an accomplishment. I look at all the things most other women complain about like gray hairs (yes, i have LOTS) and crow’s feet and think they are things I’ve been blessed to live long enough to experience. (Okay, remind me of this when I’m older and considering botox!!!) ;o)
Happy Birthday Lauren! Oh, to be 30 again…I’m jealous!
My favorite birthday memory was when I was 8. I wanted a pink bike with the white basket on the front really badly! After I opened my gifts, and discovered no pink bike, I was kind of bummed out. But, my Mom said, hey go get the newspaper in and so I did that, and when I opened the front door, there on the porch was my pink bike with a big bow around it!
So, all was not lost, and I rode that bike to death that day! Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing with all of us. Have an incredible birthday!
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I read your blog everyday. You are such an inspiration, both in your gorgeous projects and your attitude towards life in general. My best birthday ever was my 40th. My dearest friend had arranged for my parents to fly in and other family members to surprise us. She got me out of the house and decorated up the front yard while I was gone…it was truly amazing!!!
Oh wow! It’s only 9:45am and already over 110 responses! Lauren, you are such a blessing. All the things you have been through, have accomplished, are accomplishing. You are just getting started. I’m 25, so not far behind you. I work with 6 people that are twice my age, and they are still full of life. So girl, we have lots of years of youth in us! I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Well, I am off to hopefully do the saturday sketch in peace…LOL HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Oh, and I love the cupcake set! (I’ve got my fingers crossed! LOL)
You are so, so, so inspiring! Your outlook, your creations, all so inspiring. Thank you for that. I’ve been trying to “not sweat the small stuff” but I seem to like to worry and sweat the small stuff…but I’m working on it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES!!!! You are wise FAR beyond your years!
Let’s see…one of my best birthdays was actually my 30th! Hubby worked shift work and was on 3-11 that day. He met me for lunch and then left for work…or so I thought! A friend took me out for dinner right after work and when I walked in the house afterwards, it was full of people for a surprise party! He had arranged the whole thing AND taken off from work AND kept it a huge secret!
What I like to live by is JOY! Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last.
All the Mytime Mail is wonderful, but those Hero Arts sets are AWESBOMB!!
Hope you have a FABULOUS day!
Huge Happy birthday Laurren ,hope you have a fabulou s Day ,
love the make a card for yourbithday idea ,brilliant xxx
Happy Birthday, Lauren! I hope the 30’s hold many wonderful things in store for you. I am 54, and I have to tell you that each decade just keeps on getting better than the last. Something I have learned is to always keep an open mind- it seems that I learn something from every person that I meet along the way. I love your blog. Thanks for sharing with us!
HAppy Birthday-one piece of advice for your thirties….don’t sweat the small stuff-if you can look yourself in the mirror each day and know that you are true to yourself that is all that matters!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I am so proud of you, you got it right and I can’t wait to see your 30s. TFS them with us. And just to let you know the 40s are even better:) My best b-day was 50, I woke up with such a feeling of gratitude. I had made it. And now at 52 I can truly say Now IS THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE. Knowing the NOW is a wonderful thing. I would say have a great B-Day weekend, but I know you are. I loved your list of 30 again TFS.
Happy Birthday, Lauren! You are truly wise in your young age! You are so inspirational. Thanks for everything you do. What I have learned in life…Love every minute with your spouse and children. Time goes by too quickly and we should enjoy every minute, moment, day, everything. Have a great day!
Happy Birthday Lauren
I love reading your blog. its always a pleasure to tune it and see what Lauren created today or will say. I hope your birthday is fabulous
barbara from CT
Lauren love your blog and all that you do. Miss seeing what you are doing if I am away as I try to visit most days. Talking of being away that was the best Birthday - an encounter with a full grown male elephant on an evening game drive followed by the starriest sky ever. One thing I learned that day big elephants move very quietly!
Sorry forogt the most important thing - Happy Birthday enjoy it you are still young!
Happy Birthday!!!!
Celebrate your day… you deserve it.
My favorite birthday was my 26th… newly married, my husband and I drove to Chicago for the week. We went to the museums and celebrated the day. It is a day I will never forget.
I love the give aways… those stamps are totally cute! Thanks for being generous with us on your birthday.
Gaby
Lauren, Happy 30th Birthday! It is wonderful that your brain has kicked in and you now view this birthday as a new beginning to the rest of your life rather than the end of the world. Each new decade has its own special rewards and promises. Thanks for sharing your life with us through this blog, it is inspirational.
Happy Birthday!
My best birthday was this year as I no longer live in the same city as my family and didn’t think I would get to see them but they drove the couple hours to spend the day with me!
Working in the hospital has led me to try to live by the words of appreciate all that you have and spend time with those you love!
Happy Birthday!!! I love your blog and read every post, and your cards are amazing. I think that I will tell you my birthday wish being as my birthday is in 4 days. I would love to get a new digitail camera, the one I have now is old and not very good. I hope you have a great day enjoy it to the fulllest. Thank you for giving the chance to win.
Your bella card rocks…what super coloring (I find these skinny gals a challenge!). I guess I will add some words of wisdom that I always try to live by (even if I don’t always succeed!): the best thing in life to achieve is BALANCE. Balance means a sprinkling of all things: family, friends, hobby, chores (yuck!), etc. You can enjoy and appreciate all things only if you have a balance of all of them! Happy 30th to you!
Happ Birthday, Lauren! I hope your weekend is fabuloso! And remember “Birthday Calories Don’t Count” Ü
Now my favorite words to live by . . . “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right!”
Love your blog . . . your enthusiasm for life is as inspiring as your wonderful creations.
Hugs,
Colleen
Happy Birthday! And welcome to 30! I just got here in March. ( : I have two great birthday memories-my 21st my husband proposed to me! And my 30th-he threw me a surprise party and boy was I shocked. I am one of the most difficult people to surprise but he did it.
Have a great weekend celebrating and here’s to another great 30 years!
Jodi
Happy, Happy Birthday!!!
I Hope you have the BEST decade this time around, you certainly had a very full one in your 20s!!!
I love the little phrase “kindness matters”, it just means a lot…if we can always be kind to others, then we will hopefully get that in return!
You know I read your blog every single day, and absolutely LOVE what you create. I’m so happy you are in such a great place in your life! May it only get better and better for you from now on!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
My birthday advice would to live every day as if it were your last, appreciate and love those around you, this includes yourself. Have fun!
My best birthday memory was my 31st birthday when my ladies group got together for our regular meeting and it landed on my birthday, well I brought the snack to help the ladie whose home it was being held in (she had twin babies). Well someone else had brought birthday cake, and thier present to me was a 6×6 album and each of them created a page that had thier favorite verse on it. They knew mine so that put that one on the front. I couldn’t have felt any more loved than that!!!!
a great memory: my junior prom was on my birthday and the banquet sang happy birthday to me. what I want this year: another baby! Have a great Happy Birthday! It wasn’t long ago that I was 30. I will be 33 in two weeks, how time flies. Thanks!
Happy Birthday!! You have a quite a list of wisdom….I’m glad you shared it in your blog. It’s hard to pick a favorite birthday memory. Now that both my parents are gone…I’d have to say any birthday I shared with them. I never expected to be an orphan at 40 and yet, here I am. I’m going to take a challenge from your post and look ahead with anticipation, rather than behind with regret. I know each thing we go through gives us wisdom for what is to come. Wishing you all the best in the year to come!
I am glad to hear you are so happy about your 30th birthday! That’s a big one. I can’t wait to hear what gifts you get. Your husband always seems to know what to get you. Mine, on the other hand, needs some help in that area. Last year he got me a GPS thingy to put in the van. He thinks I don’t go anywhere and the reason I don’t is because I don’t know where i’m going. Well, it was in the van for about a week and moved it’s way into his truck. I’m glad he knows where he is going. My birthday is coming up in July and he does not think buying me stamping stuff is a good idea. He is not as supportive of my craft as your husband is. The big plan for this year is a pink rifle! My husband and my boys are very into hunting and target shooting. They each have their own .22’s and think mommy should have a pink gun (yes, you can actually buy pink guns) so we can all go target shooting together. I don’t really know what to think of this idea as I am not an avid hunter type of person. I like to sit at home and make cards not go to the farm and shoot gophers! The only thing I like about it is that it gets them all out of the house for the weekend. Oh well, I hope you have a happy day with your hubby and your kids. That is the best way to spend a birthday. Me… well, I get a whole 31 hours to myself. I’ll be thinking of you today as I sit here in the peace and quiet.
Happy happy birthday to you!!! Thanks so much for the chance to win such awesome candy! I am 31, and can totally remember the big 3-0…but like you said, it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. My life I try to define by being a Christian. If I had a life quote, it would be from the Bible, but since I have so many favorite verses, I can’t just pick one. May you have a 30s wonderful decade!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN! What a wonderful and insightful post.
One of my most memorable birthday moments was when I was a